Village post office robber had curly wig and false teeth

The man was carrying what appeared to be a handgun when he threatened staff at the branch on Station Road, Burley in Wharfedale, at about 9.20am on Tuesday. He escaped with cash.

Police cordoned off the post office and the neighbouring Dacre Son and Hartley estate agents to carry out investigations.

Now officers have revealed he had on a “black curly wig and false teeth to hide his identity”.

The robber is believed to be Asian, in his mid twenties, about 5ft 5ins tall and slim.

He was wearing a dark-coloured, three-quarter length jacket, loose fitting beige jeans and black gloves.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Bradford District CID, said: “Our enquiries into this incident are continuing today and we would be keen to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Station Road area prior to, or shortly after 9.20am yesterday.

“We believe that someone will have seen this man and would urge anyone with information to contact Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Jane Cameron, who works nearby, said armed officers and sniffer dogs were called to the scene following the robbery.

She said: “I didn’t realise anything was going on until the police turned up and we heard the helicopter overhead.

“It was shocking to see armed police in the park outside my window, I was just very relieved to hear no-one had been hurt – the post office staff are absolutely lovely and can’t do enough for people so I hope they’re not too badly shaken.”

It is thought a man had been seen sitting on a wall opposite the post office with his face covered shortly before the incident.